The Tragic Tale of a Pangolin, the World’s Most Trafficked Animal

Pangolins are considered the most illegally trafficked mammal in the world—scaly, cat-size, nocturnal anteaters found in Africa and Asia. Their meat and scales are in high demand for their supposed health benefits, and as a result the pangolin's population has plummeted. It's estimated that in the last 10 years, a million pangolins have been trafficked. Earlier this year, 4.4 tons of pangolin scales, labeled as plastic, were seized in Hong Kong, a haul estimated to represent between 1,100 and 6,600 pangolins and be worth $1.25 million (U.S.). Pangolins are now one of the most valuable animals to need protection, and bans are being discussed alongside those of iconic animals like elephants and rhinos. This short film produced by Coral and Oak Studios follows the regrettable voyage a pangolin takes from the moment it is caught to the moment it is consumed. It was filmed on location with the help of reformed poachers and wildlife enforcement officers.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.

Know of a great short film that should be part of our Showcase? Email sfs@natgeo.com to submit a video for consideration. See more from National Geographic's Short Film Showcase at documentary.com

The Tragic Tale of a Pangolin, the World’s Most Trafficked Animal

Pangolins are considered the most illegally trafficked mammal in the world—scaly, cat-size, nocturnal anteaters found in Africa and Asia. Their meat and scales are in high demand for their supposed health benefits, and as a result the pangolin's population has plummeted. It's estimated that in the last 10 years, a million pangolins have been trafficked. Earlier this year, 4.4 tons of pangolin scales, labeled as plastic, were seized in Hong Kong, a haul estimated to represent between 1,100 and 6,600 pangolins and be worth $1.25 million (U.S.). Pangolins are now one of the most valuable animals to need protection, and bans are being discussed alongside those of iconic animals like elephants and rhinos. This short film produced by Coral and Oak Studios follows the regrettable voyage a pangolin takes from the moment it is caught to the moment it is consumed. It was filmed on location with the help of reformed poachers and wildlife enforcement officers.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.

Know of a great short film that should be part of our Showcase? Email sfs@natgeo.com to submit a video for consideration. See more from National Geographic's Short Film Showcase at documentary.com